Welsh Women too strong for Japan

By Harry Scott-Munro
7/11/21

Exeter Chiefs Women’s Japanese pair Sachiko Kato and Kanako Kobayashi were left disappointed as Wales secured a comfortable 23-5 victory at Cardiff Arms Park.

Wales’ victory was built upon a fast start, captain Siwan Lillicrap leading the way, after she touched down for the hosts in the first minute of the match. 

Wales then extended their advantage through a penalty kick from Elinor Snowsill, as the Welsh scrum overpowered the Japanese. Snowsill further added to her side's advantage, with another penalty, as the Welsh asserted their dominance at the scrum, to take a healthy advantage into the break.

In the second half, Wales’ Georgia Evans received a yellow card after a deliberate knock-on, but Japan were unable to capitalise.

Jasmine Joyce then scored a try out of nowhere for the home side to put the game to bed. The full-back created space and an opportunity from nothing to score Wales’ second try of the evening, Snowsill adding the conversion to make the score 18-0.

In the last 10 minutes, Joyce scored her second from close range, but it was Japan who would have the final say, as Seina Saito bundled her way over the line to make sure the Sakura 15 didn’t leave the Welsh capital empty-handed.

Elsewhere there was disappointment for Exeter Chiefs Women’s player Zintle Mphupa as France’s superior experience told in a 46-3 victory in Vannes.

In their first match abroad for three years, South Africa were forced to defend for most of the match, their sole reward coming from a penalty by Jakkie Cilliers.